To mark UK Coffee Week from October 19-25, which celebrates the nation's coffee industry as well as supporting coffee-growing communities, we’ve rounded up some of the best independent cafes and coffee shops in the area, in no particular order.
Note that while some of the smaller venues are not available for sit in yet, due to social distancing, you can still call by for a takeout.
1. Holmeside Coffee, Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
As well as offering excellent coffees, brunches and light bites, Holmeside Coffee offers so much more and has become a supportive space for artists. It announced this week that it will be closing its doors in January, but its sister site The Little Shop in High Street West will continue to trade and offer Holmeside Coffee for takeout. Photo: Sunderland Echo
2. Sue's Cafe, Marine Walk, Roker
Another institution in Sunderland, Sue's Cafe is a perfect place to warm your cockles on a brisk walk down the beach. There's no indoor seating but you can grab a seat with your dog outside and tuck into sausage sandwiches and cups of Bovril. Photo: Stu Norton
3. Cole cafe and Deli, Roker
There's lovely attention to detail, in the decor and food, at this cafe in a former house in St George's Terrace. Because of its small space, it's open for takeout Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 3pm, where you can pick treats such as salt beef sourdough, spinach and feta rolls and toffee apple cake. Photo: Sunderland Echo
4. Grinder, Durham Road, near University Metro
This independent coffee shop is offering an escape from the daily grind after transforming the former Ironing Basket shop in Durham Road into Grinder Coffee Co at the end of last year. Its location near the University Metro Station, and en route to the city centre, means it's ideal for passing trade and offers coffee, cakes and light bites in stylish surroundings. It also sells homewares from independent traders. Photo: JPI Media